Hydraulic lift for amphibious craft

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a hydraulic lift for use with transport vessels of the hovercraft or amphibious type which operate effectively across a relatively flat water or land surface. It relates in particular to a facility that is positioned as an intermediate stage between a body of water and a land mass disposed at widespread levels. The hydraulic lift includes a relatively upright, open top chamber adapted to receive a floating amphibious craft. The chamber is communicated with a source of liquid such as water, and means to controllably vary the level of the latter in the chamber such that the craft can be passed upwardly or downwardly to a desired level while being self-supported above the water&#39;&#39;s surface.

United States Patent Paull et al.

[54] HYDRAULIC LIFT FOR AMPHIBIOUS CRAFT Inventors: Peter L. Paull, Weston; Fontaine C.

Armistead, Darien, both of Conn.

Assignee: Texaco Development Corporation,

New York, NY.

Filed: July 2, 1970 Appl. No.: 51,876

US. Cl ..6l/8, 61/46 Int. Cl ..E02c 5/00 Field of Search ..6l/8, 9, 46, 21, 63, 67

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS [451 Aug. 15, 1972 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 88,100 1922 Austria ..6l/9

Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Attorney-Thomas H. Whaley and Carl G. Reis I ABSTRACT The invention relates to a hydraulic lift for use with transport vessels of the hovercraft or amphibious type which operate effectively across a relatively flat water or land surface. It relates in particular to a facility that is positioned as an intermediate stage between a body of water and a land mass disposed at widespread levels. The hydraulic lift includes a relatively upright, open top chamber adapted to receive a floating a'mphibious craft. The chamber is communicated with a source of liquid such as water, and means to controllably vary the level of the latter in the chamber such that the craft can be passed upwardly or downwardly to a desired level while being self-supported above the water's surface.

1 Claim, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 15, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2

Patented Aug. 15, 1972 3,683,629

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 .8 FIG. 4

1 HYDRAULIC LIFT FOR AMPHIBIOUS CRAFI BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the transportation of materials across water or land surfaces the use of amphibious carriers such as self-contained hovercraft, or ground effect vehicles has become increasingly popular. Such craft have been found to operate over and above relatively smooth surfaces regardless of the composition of the latter. The weight of the craft is therefore of minimal importance. It is possible therefore to move relatively heavy loads over otherwise unusable surfaces. For example, across bodies of water, or a quasi-rigid surface such as found in Alaska, the hovercraft has proven to be invaluable in conveying materials, personnel, and equipment.

To facilitate the efficient transport of many forms of products both liquid and solid, it has been found that ground effect and amphibious vehicles constitute the sole practical means. In the instance of the normal ground effect vehicle, the craft embodies all the features of a floating vessel and yet is capable of high overwater speeds. In a similar manner such vessels can be used on land where the latter presents a substantially flat topography and is compatible with the operation of a ground effect vehicle. When such a vessel is used in the manner to require both land and water operation, the vehicle is capable of maintaining a relatively level stance while moving upward along a beach or gradual sloping landing ramp.

There are however, limitations as to the grade which a ground effect vehicle can satisfactorily negotiate. Thus, the vehicles have been used in many instances with a large degree of success in crossing a body of water and thereafter proceeding upward along a gradually sloping landing ramp or smooth beach to a docking or terminal area.

One of the more recent applications of ground effect vehicles to overcome a specific problem, is represented by the conditions prevailing in Northern Alaska where the ground is such as to prohibit economical yearround use of roads or other highways across the frozen surface. In such an environment, ground effect vehicles are capable to readily negotiate small obstacles and minor obstructions above the ground in such a manner as to proceed relatively uninterrupted at a rapid velocity. However, here too the craft must move between a body of water or ice covered water, and the shore.

To satisfactorily operate at a shore based refinery or terminal, the ground effect vehicle is normally sufficiently versatile to traverse an adjacent relatively level land facility. Where, however, there is a sharp or marked differential in the levels between which the vehicle must operate, the latters utility becomes obviated or lessened. For example, in the instance of a shore based terminal raised upward from the waters surface for safety and practical reasons, the nonnal ground effect vehicle is unable to transfer under its own power from one medium to the other. In a similar manner, where it would be convenient to traverse the ground effect vehicle between two different level land masses, the transfer would be impossible without the use of a relatively extensive connecting section. Also, in Arctic areas where terminals and storage facilities I have been provided on massive elevated ice masses, the

vehicle is capable of readily negotiating either the surrounding water or the surface ice. The problem persists nonetheless of transferring the vehicle across a height differential from one medium to the other.

Toward overcoming the above stated problems in ground effect and amphibious vehicles, and in affording a suitable docking means compatible with the normal function thereof, the present invention provides a convenient lift facility for such a unit. The facility is operable between two different levels along which the vehicle or craft is commonly moved. For example the vehicle will be self-propelled from a point offshore, to the shoreline, and thence elevated at the shore to a refinery or storage area.

To facilitate the following description, the environment within which the present facility is incorporated and described comprises a shore based terminal for storing crude and/or refined oil that has been drawn from an off-shore source, a tanker or the like. While such an installation will be subject to normal tidal variations the latter will have little if any adverse effect on operation of the facility itself.

Further, the type of vessel or craft to which the facility is adapted to accommodate, can include primarily the amphibious type such as a ground effect vehicle or similar craft. The vehicle presently referred to consists of a carrier vessel which will operate with a single liquid holding container adapted to store either crude or refined oil. A vessel of this type is shown and described in our copending patent application Ser. No. 781,298,

entitled Containerized Transport Device which issued on Dec. 22, 1970 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,969.

Toward clarifying the mode of operation of the present facility, the ground effect vehicle as herein referred to comprises an amphibious craft that is selfpropelled and normally raised slightly above the surface along which it operates. The vessel, in combining the virtues of both a boat and an air craft, embodies means for delivering a downward flow of air toward the vessels lower end, as well as means for propelling the vessel in a horizontal direction.

Operationally, the lifting force which the vessel requires is achieved by developing an air cushion at the vessels underside, which cushion separates the latter from the liquid or planar surface. The air cushion is furnished by a power source such as an engine driven propeller which delivers high velocity air streams along ducts at the vessels interior, whereby the stream will discharge at the underside to form the desired cushion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings,

FIG. 1 illustrates an installation of the type contemplated wherein a ground effect vehicle is operable to be transferred from an offshore location at water level, to an elevated land mass.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the facility shown in FIG. I with the vehicle lifting chamber open and exhausted of water.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the vehicle partially elevated within the lifting chamber.

FIG. 4 is a segmentary view on an enlarged scale showing a portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a segmentary view on an enlarged scale and in cross-section of a corner of the shown installation.

Referring to FIG. 1, the facility presently contemplated in illustrating the invention, is disposed at the shoreline of an elevated body of land wherein the foot of an upstanding blufi terminates at the water level of the ocean. The latter can as mentioned, constitute a bay, inlet, river or the like wherein the water will undergo periodic tidal variations. The facility as shown includes in essence, a pair of vertical side walls I l and 12 which, together with a rear bulkhead 13, and a removable gate 14, constitute an open top chamber 16. The structure is positioned so that the lower end is submerged beneath the mean low water level, and the upper end terminates at or adjacent to the set back land surface. A ramp 17 is provided from chamber 16 upper end to the land surface whereby the ground effect vehicle can traverse the span under its own power.

As shown in FIG. 2, side walls 11 and 12 which define upright chamber 16, are supported on individual footings or on a concrete foundation member 18 imbedded into the earth to a desired depth. The depth of such foundation of course is dependent on the composition of the substrate and may consist of a single unit or a series of piles which are driven to the desired level whereby to support the lifting structure particularly when the latter is holding a full head of water.

A base member 19 is provided at the upper end of foundation l8 and comprises a reinforced concrete sump 21 communicated with a source of transfer fluid such as the surrounding water, as will be hereinafter noted. A sloping approach ramp 22 extends from the upper edge of base member 19, into and beneath the water whereby to define a path for vehicle 23 as the latter approaches lifting chamber 16. Ramp 22 comes into effectiveness only at such time as the ocean level is lowered to a depth less than normally expected.

Oppositely positioned side walls 11 and 12 are aligned, and extend away from the land mass toward the water preferably in the direction at which the ground effect vehicle would normally approach. It is appreciated however that this is not an essential disposition since elevating chamber 16 can be approached from any convenient direction by a moving vessel. 4

Each side wall 11 and 12 of the facility extends from a point where the forward, lower end issubmerged, back into the face of the land mass, where it is firmly anchored by the necessary footings, pilings, or other means such that the entire unit is rigidly entrenched. Rear bulkhead 13 is disposed intermediate and connected to the respective side walls 11 and 12, and extends from the foundation member 18, upwardly to a point adjacent the upper surface of the respective side walls. The outer side of chamber 16 is provided with displaceable or removable gate 14 which defines when in the closed position, an upright wall to said chamber 16. Gate 14 can assume any of a number of embodiments to most appropriately serve the instant purpose. It is shown in the instant illustration however as comprising a pair of cooperating gate members 14a and 14b, which are vertically hinged along one edge 23 whereby to be swivelably movable about said hinged edge. As shown in FIG. 5, the latter is connected to a side wall along an upright sealed joint 24 whereby to fonn a water tight fit when the gates are locked in the closed position.

In a similar manner the inner engaging edge of each of said gates 14a and 14b is provided with a locking lip shaped to engage the corresponding gate lip and cooperatively to fonn an upright fluid tight seal 25. The respective gate section lower ends are likewise provided with a sealing lip 20 along the line of engagement with foundation member 19.

When internal chamber 16 is filled with water, a considerable outward pressure is exerted by the liquid head against the respective side walls 11 and 12 as well as against gate 14 and bulkhead 13. The side walls are therefore provided with external reinforcing means such as lateral buttresses 26, piles, or the like which are anchored in the substrate at the wall outer side.

To most conveniently accommodate a ground effect vehicle and yet minimize the quantity of water used to raise or lower such a vehicle, the respective comers of upright chamber 16 are provided with filler members 27 and 28. The latter define in effect a configuration in which the curved inner surface conforms to the periphery of vehicle 23 whereby to vertically guide the latter. As presently shown, the outer surface of the ground effect vehicles 23 is substantially cylindrical and consequently the corresponding filler sections 27 and 28 within the chamber 16, will define an elongated, generally cylindrical contour. Said filler members can be hollow in structure, or so formed as to achieve the purpose of minimizing the amount of water passed to and from the chamber 16. The filler members may also be constructed to embody water holding tanks and a pumping system not shown here in detail, whereby to facilitate transfer of water to and from chamber 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, the hydraulic system which achieves the rapid transfer of water to and from the liquid chamber 16 includes necessary piping, pumps, filters and other ancillary equipment, not presently shown, but which is represented by valve 32, connected to chamber 16 and to a source of the water. Toward facilitating the rapid filling of the chamber when the latter is in closed position, the hydraulic system includes an internal reservoir 31 defined by respective side walls 11 and 12, bulkhead 13, and an adjacent bulkhead 29. Reservoir 31 formed adjacent to chamber 16 permits a measured quantity of water to be held at a slight head whereby to facilitate transfer to said chamber 16. The reservoir 31 is conveniently formed of reinforced concrete and communicated as shown by way of the piping system through control valve 32.

The upper end of chamber 16 is provided with a connecting ramp 17 which extends from the upper edge of one of said side walls, to a docking point. The latter can comprise any section of raised ground to which the craft 23 is being elevated, and that will support said craft as it moves from the ramp. Ramp 17 is further constituted with a framework 33 of adequate supporting strength to sustain the craft during its traverse of the ramp.

Toward stabilizing the position of craft 23 when the latter is in the elevated position at the upper end of the chamber, a set of guide rails 34 and 36 is provided. The latter depend from the upper edge of the respective side walls 11 and 12, as well as from the displaceable gates 14a and 14b. Said guide rails in effect define the lateral area of operation of craft 23 whereby to limit .ported in a raised position.

operationally, and referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the present facility is preferably disposed such that craft 23 moving across the surface of the water, can be conveniently raised to the upper level by means of lifting chamber 16. Conversely of course the craft can be lowered from said upper level to the water level by a reversal of the operating procedure which is as follows.

The floating craft 23 is supported at the water level on a cushion of air. When the water has decreased, or receded a sufficient amount to expose the ramp 22, the craft is movable along the surface of the latter. While still under its own supporting power at the waters surface, the craft is received through the open end gates 14a and 14b. The latter are then closed behind the craft to contain it within chamber 16. [n such a condition, the craft is supported above the floor of said chamber by its own source of power. Simultaneously, the craft is properly positioned by engagement of the peripheral sides thereof with the inner contoured surfaces of the respective filler members 28 and 29. With 14a and 14b in a closed position, the latter are sealed along the common vertical joint 25 as well as the lower water tight joint 20. The pumping system is then actuated to direct high volume streams of water from reservoir 31, by way of valve 32, into the sump 21. Incoming water passes upwardly through the perforated upper side of sump 21 whereby to raise the level of the water in chamber 16 and consequently elevate the craft 23.

The transfer of water is continued until the craft is elevated to the upper edge of the chamber 16 such that it is now guided and stabilized in place by side rails 34 and 36. While still functioning under its own power on a cushion of air, the craft is directed laterally across the upper edge of bulkhead 13 and onto ramp 17. From this position the craft can be directed into the docking terminal and further, to a particular point or area for depositing its liquid holding cargo.

As previously noted the procedure for lowering the craft 23 back to the waters surface constitutes a substantial reversal of the above-noted steps.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention, as hereinafter set forth, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A hydraulic lifting device for an amphibious craft, adapted to transfer the latter between upper and lower positions which includes; an upright liquid holding chamber having an upper access opening,

side walls of said open ended chamber extending from said lower to said upper positions,

at least one of said side walls being controllably displaceable to permit passage of an amphibious vessel to or from the chamber lower end when said at least one side wall is displaced,

a hydraulic system communicating said liquid holding chamber with a source of water whereby to controllably regulate the level of water held in said chamber when the latter is in a closed fluid tight position,

other of said side walls including an upper edge terminating at the maximum water level in said liquid holding chamber whereby to define a path of traverse for said amphibious craft across said chamber upper edge, and liquid storing means inco orated into said other s'de walls said liquid storing means inciuding filler tanks carried within other side walls, and the latter including contoured surface disposed adjacent to a side of said amphibious craft when the latter is within said chamber whereby to slidably guide said craft during vertical movement thereof through said chamber. 

1. A hydraulic lifting device for an amphibious craft, adapted to transfer the latter between upper and lower positions which includes; an upright liquid holding chamber having an upper access opening, side walls of said open ended chamber extending from said lower to said upper positions, at least one of said side walls being controllably displaceable to permit passage of an amphibious vessel to or from the chamber lower end when said at least one side wall is displaced, a hydraulic system communicating said liquid holding chamber with a source of water whereby to controllably regulate the level of water held in said chamber when the latter is in a closed fluid tight position, other of said side walls including an upper edge terminating at the maximum water level in said liquid holding chamber whereby to define a path of traverse for said amphibious craft across said chamber upper edge, and liquid storing means incorporated into said other side walls, said liquid storing means including filler tanks carried within other side walls, and the latter including contoured surface disposed adjacent to a side of said amphibious craft when the latter is within said chamber whereby to slidably guide said craft during vertical movement thereof through said chamber. 